Highly Capable Nominations now open Until February 6, 2026.

Who is a Highly Capable student?

Highly capable students are students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students' general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivity within a specific domain. These students are present not only in the general populace, but are present within all protected classes.

How does a student qualify to participate?

• Nomination: Anyone may nominate a child to the program, including teachers, other staff, parents, students, and members of the community. Nominators will use the District’s nomination form to refer a student to be considered for admission into the program.
• Assessment: The District will obtain written parental permission prior to conducting assessments to determine eligibility for participation in its Highly Capable Program (HCP).

If a student qualifies for the program, will they have to go through the nomination and testing process each year?

• No, as long as a student is currently enrolled in the program, they do not need to go through the nomination or testing process annually.

How does the continuum of services vary by grade level?

CONTINUUM OF SERVICES BY GRADE LEVEL

• K-2nd Grade: Students are served in class through differentiation, curriculum compacting, and/or acceleration by their classroom teacher and supported by the HiCap Coordinator.
• 3rd-6th Grade: The HiCap Coordinator/Teacher serves all 3rd-6th grade students in the Eastmont School District. Students are served through pull-out groups once weekly at individual schools.  Specialized instructional techniques and project-based learning are employed to promote higher-level, divergent thinking to reinforce and strengthen classroom content.
• 7th-12th Grade: Students are encouraged to participate in advanced levels of courses, honors, Advanced Placement, and Running Start (a dual enrollment College program).

If a student does not qualify this year can they be nominated again?

Any student is eligible to be nominated during the annual open nomination period. 

Is there an appeal process?

Parents/legal guardians have the right to appeal the Multidisciplinary Identification and Placement Committee’s decision. Individuals appealing the selection committee’s decision will follow Eastmont School District Procedure 4220P.

Are students ever exited from the program?

The exit process may be initiated for students who no longer demonstrate a need for highly capable program services. A request may be made by a teacher or program administrator for highly capable student identification and placement discontinuation. Please see Eastmont School District Policy No. 2190-P for more information.

What does the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) say about Highly Capable Programs?

OSPI Highly Capable Website